What about organic seed, transplants, and commercial availability?

Organic seed and planting stock must be used unless organic versions are not commercially available, with the exception that organic seed must always be used for production of edible sprouts. Commercial Availability is defined by the NOP as the ability to obtain a production input in an appropriate form, quality, or quantity to fulfill an essential function in a system of organic production or handling, as determined by CCOF in the course of reviewing the Organic System Plan (certification application).

Growers are required to search for organic seed and planting stock and must document this search in order to demonstrate that organic seed/planting stock was not commercially available. This documentation may be in the form of a log showing calls made, product/supplier catalogues, letters received, or other demonstration of good faith efforts on your part.

We recommend trialing organic varieties if you cannot find the specific organic seed or planting stock in the form, quality, or quantity needed. If a third party such as a buyer or seed distributor determines your seed or planting stock, they must comply with the commercial availability requirement on your behalf.

All annual transplants (seedlings) must be certified organic. When purchasing annual transplants growers must verify and maintain current National Organic Program (NOP) certificates from suppliers and have purchase invoices showing the transplants purchased are certified organic.

All seed, planting stock, and transplant records will be reviewed during your annual inspection